Deutsche Bahn improved its financial results in the first half of 2025 by cutting its operating loss by nearly €1 billion and growing revenue to €13.3 billion. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Deutsche Bahn Reports H1 2025 Financial Results
Photo: Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn Boosts Ridership and Financial Stability

Germany’s state-owned rail operator slashed its operating losses to €239 million, a significant €986 million improvement over the same period in 2024. At the same time, revenue grew by 3.4% to €13.3 billion.

The April 2025 sale of logistics subsidiary DB Schenker helped push net profit to €6.9 billion after taxes — Deutsche Bahn’s strongest result in years.

Passenger demand continues to rise. From January to June, Deutsche Bahn transported 943 million passengers, up 24 million compared to H1 2024. Passenger traffic rose 4% to 41.9 billion passenger-kilometers.

Don’t miss…Penn Station Access project delayed again to 2028

Long-distance rail saw especially strong performance, growing by 5.2% to 21.95 billion passenger-kilometers. Punctuality improved slightly to 63.4%, up 0.7 percentage points from the previous year.

Deutsche Bahn Invests in Infrastructure and Ticket Services

The freight division faced challenges: cargo volumes fell 10% to 83 million tonnes, and DB Cargo’s revenue dropped to €2.5 billion. However, by exiting unprofitable contracts, the division reduced losses by €165 million, ending at €96 million.

Deutsche Bahn invested €7.3 billion in infrastructure in the first half of the year and plans to exceed €20 billion by the end of 2025 — up from €18.2 billion in 2024. Its S3 strategy focuses on rebuilding infrastructure, digitizing logistics, and improving operational efficiency.

Alongside infrastructure, the company is improving customer services. Through the official website and mobile app, passengers can buy tickets, plan connections, and track travel updates. Popular fare options include Super Sparpreis, Flexpreis, and more for flexible planning.

The Deutschland-Ticket remains a popular option — a nationwide pass for regional trains priced at €49 per month. It’s central to Germany’s shift toward sustainable and affordable mobility.

Management expects Deutsche Bahn to break even by the end of 2025, with total revenue exceeding €27 billion. These results reflect the company’s resilience and the team’s expertise in managing Europe’s largest rail network.

FAQ

What is Deutsche Bahn and what services does it provide?

Deutsche Bahn is Germany’s national railway operator, responsible for both passenger and freight services, and major infrastructure projects.

How can I buy Deutsche Bahn tickets online?

Tickets are available via the official DB website or mobile app, including seat reservations and discount fare options.

When is the Deutschland-Ticket valid and where can it be used?

The pass is valid for the full calendar month and offers unlimited travel on all regional trains across Germany.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Jammu to Vaishno Devi Katra railway line approved for survey

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit